Henschke Stone Jar Tempranillo 2021

The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.

The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today.

Henschke's commitment to excellence and sustainable wine production has garnered well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2021, the winery was honoured as the Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking in the New World. Furthermore, Henschke was also named the Winery of the Year by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, Henschke's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices has been acknowledged with the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem. This recognition highlights their remarkable efforts in reducing environmental impact while producing outstanding wines. Henschke's unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to sustainable practices make them a true icon in the world of wine.

The Henschke Stone Jar Tempranillo pays tribute to the original Henschke settlers and their rich and wonderfully varied traditions, which were carried on for generations. Stephen’s grandfather Paul Alfred sold his wine to local customers in stone jars, which in the Barossa was called a krug. The tempranillo and graciano vines were planted on rocky soils on the north facing slope at the range overlooking the village of Eden Valley, grown using organic and biodynamic practices and made using traditional winemaking techniques.

The Henschke Stone Jar Tempranillo is a deep crimson with bright red hues. Vibrant and complex aromas of spiced plum, raspberry, black cherry, with hints of anise, cinnamon, white pepper and musk. An ethereal and uplifting palate of red berries and tamarillo is supported by a savoury core of dried herbs and brown spice, finishing long with fine-grained peppery tannins.

It is vibrant purple in colour, with red fruits, currants, dry herbs, a touch of the tomato bush, milk chocolate and roast meats. Good focus here, with very fine, silky tannins. Seamless with impressive length, this is a superb local version of this great Spanish grape. Enjoy now and over the next five to six years. - Wine Pilot.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Tempranillo
Country - Australia
Region - Eden Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%